Rockaway Fishing Charters

When you think of New York City, you probably imagine bright lights, busy streets, and that world-famous skyline – however, Captain Tom LaCognata is here to show you a whole other side to the “Big Apple.” Join him on board Rockaway Fishing Charters, located in Brooklyn, where his mission is simple: “To put you on fish and make sure you have an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe time out on the water.”

Capt. Tom is a native New Yorker who’s been fishing for over 45 years. He’s explored many local fisheries, as well as those further afield, including Costa Rica, Mexico, and Aruba. He decided to turn his passion for angling into a career and offers first-class fishing trips that are suitable for anglers of all ages and abilities, including children. They’re completely customizable, too – let him know what you want to hook, and he’ll take you to the hottest spots around!

You’ll be fishing from your captain’s 30’ Luhrs offshore sportfishing vessel, perfectly built to tackle the waters of Jamaica Bay, as well as the open ocean. She can accommodate up to 6 guests, so bring along the entire family, or settle some scores with your best angling buddies! On board, you’ll find a full toilet, top-of-the-line navigational gear, life jackets for all ages, a multi-media system, and outriggers for maximum fishability.

Capt. Tom caters his trips to all types of anglers, so there’s something to suit every skill level. Want to take your family on an unforgettable vacation? Spend the day Fluke fishing – these fish are plenty of fun to catch, and also make for tasty table fare! Want to hook some game fish? Get ready for plenty of rod-bending action as you chase Striper (Striped Bass), Bluefish, and more. For hardcore anglers, come face-to-gills with some impressive marine life as you target a variety of Shark species.

Your trip includes Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa rods and reels, bait, tackle, and a fishing license. Come aboard Rockaway Fishing Charters to see another side of New York!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 20
    $600
    Fishing for the best option of species to catch for the day. Could be a mixed bag. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
    Skate
    Skate
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 20
    $600
    Fishing for the best option of species to catch for the day. Could be a mixed bag. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary. The departure is also possible at 4:00 p.m.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
    Skate
    Skate
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Fluke (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 9
    $600
    This 4-hour morning adventure will see you cruising Jamaica Bay and further out on the ocean for the chance to hook some mouth-watering Fluke! Depending on where you want to fish, it'll take you from half an hour to get to the hottest spots. This trip is perfect for anglers of all abilities, especially families with little ones – fishing for Fluke provides plenty of fun angling action for the whole family! Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Fluke (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 9
    $600
    Join Capt. Tom for this afternoon trip, where you'll have the chance to hook some tasty table fare! You'll be cruising the waters of Jamaica Bay, or even further out on the ocean, to seek out delicious Fluke. This species is fun to catch, and even better to eat! If you have little ones, Fluke and all the other fish that hang out with them provide an excellent first-time angling adventure. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 18 - Oct 20 (Sat, Sun)
    $600
    Fishing for Porgy and Seabass when in season. Other species may be caught as well. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jun 18 - Oct 20 (Sat, Sun)
    $600
    Fishing for Porgy and Seabass when in season. Other species may be caught as well. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – July 4 Special
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jul 4 - Jul 4 (Tue)
    $650
    A July 4 special night fireworks fishing cruise. Fishing up until the fireworks begin! Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary and greatly appreciated.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Night Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Nov 30 (Fri, Sat)
    $650
    Local night fishing starting at 6:00 p.m. for all fish in season. The mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary and greatly appreciated.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
  • Private trip
    4 Hour – Captain's Choice Evening
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Nov 30
    $650
    A 4:00 p.m. departure, fishing in the evening for the best option of species. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary and greatly appreciated.
    Targeted fish
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 29 - May 31
    $650
    Trolling, casting, or bait fishing for Striped Bass and Bluefish. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Apr 29 - May 31
    $650
    Trolling, casting, or bait fishing for Striped Bass and Bluefish. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Fireworks and Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jul 2 - Sep 2 (Fri)
    $750
    This trip will give you the opportunity to indulge in a spot of fishing, as well as taking in the stunning fireworks over the bay. Bring some friends and some cocktails and enjoy! Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Thanksgiving Special
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 24 - Nov 24 (Thu)
    $750
    A Thanksgiving morning trip, be back for turkey time. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 20 (Sat, Sun)
    $900
    Fishing for the best option of species to catch for the day. Could be a mixed bag. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
    Skate
    Skate
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Fluke
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 9 (Sat, Sun)
    $900
    Spend a full day reeling in some tasty table fare, as well as whatever else happens to be biting! If you're looking for a fun family day out, this trip fits the bit perfectly – Fluke provides plenty of angling action for fishermen of all ages and abilities, and you'll leave with a delicious dinner, too. Your captain will take you out to Jamaica Bay and potentially even further onto the ocean for your chance to reel 'em in. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 18 - Oct 20 (Sat, Sun)
    $900
    Spend 7 hours on the water prowling for Porgy and Seabass, and chances are you will come back to shore with a cooler full of fish. You will have plenty of time to explore the waters, and along with Porgy and Seabass, you can hook plenty of other species. Your captain will help out with everything you need and go the extra mile to make your trip a memorable one. Fishing for Porgy and Seabass when in season. Other species may be caught as well. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Scup (Porgy)
    Scup (Porgy)
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - May 31 (Sat, Sun)
    $950
    Trolling, casting, or bait fishing for Striped Bass and Bluefish. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
  • Private trip
    April Bass Full day
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 15 - Apr 30
    $950
    7 hour fishing trip targeting early season Striped Bass. Mates work for tips, 20% is customary and greatly appreciated.
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – "Shark Boss" Special
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 30 (Sat, Sun)
    $1,400
    Join Capt. Tom and get ready to come face-to-gills with some of the ocean's most notorious marine life! On this trip, you'll have the chance to hook a variety of Shark species, including Mako and Thresher. You'll head anywhere from 3 to 20 miles offshore, for a fight with some big Sharks! Rods, reels, bait, tackle, and a license included. Mates work for tips, 20% of the fare is customary. Please message Capt. Tom before booking to verify weather conditions. Novices to experienced, all are welcome.
    Targeted fish
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Shark (Blue)
    Blue Shark
    Shark (Mako)
    Mako Shark
    Shark (Thresher)
    Thresher Shark
There are 19 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Rockaway Fishing Charters

Rockaway Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (PM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Fluke (AM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Fluke (PM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (AM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (PM) (4 hours)
  • $650 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 3 Hour Trip – July 4 Special (3 hours)
  • $650 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 3 Hour Trip – Night Trip (3 hours)
  • $650 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour – Captain's Choice Evening (4 hours)
  • $650 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (AM) (4 hours)
  • $650 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (PM) (4 hours)
  • $750 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Fireworks and Fishing (4 hours)
  • $750 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Thanksgiving Special (5 hours)
  • $900 per group, additional $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (7 hours)
  • $900 per group, additional $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Fluke (7 hours)
  • $900 per group, additional $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (7 hours)
  • $950 per group, additional $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (7 hours)
  • $950 per group, additional $75 per person after 4 guests - April Bass Full day (7 hours)
  • $1,400 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – "Shark Boss" Special (7 hours)

When you book a trip with Rockaway Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full head, private
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Radar

Trips booked with Rockaway Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (Dependent on group size 20% gratuity is customary.)
  • Fishing License (Address is 3260 flatbush ave. Dock #c109. )

Rockaway Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Rockaway Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Rockaway Fishing Charters include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Bluefish
  • Dogfish
  • Flounder
  • Scup (Porgy)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blue)
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Shark (Thresher)
  • Skate
  • Weakfish

About the Captain

Tom LaCognata
New York City, New York, United States
179 Fishing Reports
ID & License verified
164 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since November 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Capt. Tom has been fishing for more than 45 years, so it's safe to say that he's got plenty of angling experience and knowledge under his belt! He's a local New Yorker, but has fished all over the States, as well as exploring the plentiful fisheries of Costa Rica, Mexico, and Aruba. He decided to turn his passion for angling into a career over 10 years ago, and has been running successful charters ever since. His favorite part of the job is seeing his customers have fun, and helping newbies and little ones learn the tricks of the trade. He loves helping kids reel in their first fish! Your captain also participates in tournaments, and won the prestigious Brooklyn Shark Tournament in 2016. As well as this, he has experience of battling seriously big game fish – he once hooked a whopping 500 lb Black Marlin, which took him 45 minutes to reel in!

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Striped) Striped Bass
Bluefish Bluefish
Dogfish Dogfish
Flounder Flounder

Boat specs

Luhrs (Offshore sport fishing) originally built in 1997, and restored in 2015. Powered by 2 350HP Mercruiser engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 15 knots.

Length
30 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Full head, private
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
Dependent on group size 20% gratuity is customary.
Fishing License
Address is 3260 flatbush ave. Dock #c109.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No minimum age
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

New York City Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Recent Fishing Reports

SHARK!
SHARK!
May 28, 2023
1st Shark Boss special was a doozy! We hooked up a nice big Thresher Shark and 3 Blue Sharks. The Thresher jumped 3 times clear out of the water! Fun day! And the season has just begun!
Continue reading
Bluefish today!
Bluefish today!
May 26, 2023
Today was a bluefish day with many bites.
Continue reading
Another great morning !
Another great morning !
May 25, 2023
Bass and Blues still hot!
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 164 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (827)
4 Hour Trip with Captain Tom
4 Hour Trip with Captain Tom
4 Hour Trip with Captain Tom
+824
Angler Rating
162
2
0
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
89%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 164 reviews
Linfeng L.
New York, New York
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Biggest Bass and Best Captain Ever!!!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (PM) on May 12, 2023
We caught a striped bass up to nearly 50 inches today! And we used “weirdest way” to catch the biggest fish :)! Also, since...
Linfeng L. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied

Omar A.
New York, New York
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

8 am Captain choice.

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (PM) on May 22, 2023
It was a wonderful day and grat time thank you so much for captain Tom and Rob they was so nice and professional they really...
Omar A. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied

India W.
New York, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bass fishing with Captain Tom and Rob

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Bass and Blues (PM) on May 6, 2023
We had a spectacular afternoon on the water with Captain Tom and Rob. They really did everything within their power to make...
India W. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied

Michael C.
McLean, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day AM Trip with Captain Tom

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM) on May 17, 2023
Trip was above and beyond expectations. Everything written on Captain Tom’s page was as advertised and lived up to the hype....
Michael C. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied

EDDY C.
Buffalo, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

PM Trip With Captain Tom!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (PM) on May 20, 2023
We caught a lot of striped bass and bluefish, they were monstrous! Tom knows the water very well. We landed about 10 fish and...
EDDY C. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
EDDY C. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful